Korean Photographer Yang Seung-Woo Captures Society’s Underbelly

From Shinjuku Lost Child. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Shinjuku Lost Child. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

Yang at Zen Foto Gallery during his exhibition Baggage. (© Hanai Tomoko)

From Shinjuku Lost Child. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Yang-Tarō Baka-Tarō. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Yang-Tarō Baka-Tarō. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Tekiya. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Tekiya. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

“Mister Mayonnaise,” from the cover of Baggage. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Baggage, a man in a cap who has amassed bread distributed to homeless people. “I won’t go into a shelter. They have curfews and I can’t enjoy my alcohol.” (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Baggage. The suited man (right), previously homeless, accepted support and moved into a shelter a month ago. He still comes here each day to play shōgi with his friend. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From Baggage. The subject’s dream is that “My kid graduates from university.” His motto: “Even the smallest worm has its share of will.” (© Yang Seung-Woo)

Gaining someone’s trust by sharing a drink with them is the secret to portrait photography, according to Yang. (© Hanai Tomoko)

From The Best Days. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

From End of the Line Kotobukichō. (© Yang Seung-Woo)

(© Hanai Tomoko)